World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) runs from 18–24 November and highlights the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites stop responding to treatments. This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, reminds us that AMR is happening right now and needs urgent action. For UK infection prevention and control (IPC) teams, it’s a chance to show how essential their work is in keeping antibiotics effective.
Why IPC matters
Preventing infections is the first step in stopping AMR. Fewer infections mean less need for antibiotics, which slows the spread of resistance. Good infection prevention, including hygiene, cleaning, and safe use of medical devices, is recognised globally as a key part of tackling AMR.
In the UK, national policy already links IPC with antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). IPC teams help bring this to life by educating staff, checking infection risks, and supporting AMS initiatives.
How IPC teams can get involved
Raise awareness: Share daily facts, case studies, or local success stories about AMR and infection prevention.
Work with AMS colleagues: Run joint sessions, briefings, or grand rounds to show how IPC and AMS work together to limit resistance.
Show the impact of IPC: Highlight hand hygiene, cleaning, and device management, and use data to show how infections are prevented.
Engage staff: Ask staff to commit to one simple change this week, like reviewing antibiotics promptly or following safe device protocols. Use pledge boards or digital tools to track commitments and share results.
Include everyone: Ward staff, porters, cleaning teams – everyone’s role matters in preventing infections and reducing AMR.
Making it work despite challenges
IPC teams are often busy, so fit WAAW activities into existing routines, like short morning huddles or staff meetings. Even if direct AMR data is hard to show, sharing stories of outbreaks prevented or improvements made helps staff see the impact. Collaborate across IPC, AMS, microbiology, and pharmacy to break down silos. And don’t let the week end without follow-up – share results, embed improvements, and keep momentum going.
How to get involved
AMR affects us all, but together we can make a difference.
Strengthen infection prevention, support responsible antibiotic use, and work across teams to protect life-saving medicines.
Visit the UKHSA Campaign Resource Centre for free resources and Andi Biotic materials.
Show your support with a WAAW Teams background.
Share messages with colleagues and the public using our social media toolkit.
Post your WAAW activities on social media with #WAAW2025 and #KeepAntibioticsWorking.
